Temple Stay : Shukubo

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Shukubo (宿坊) refers to lodging facilities within Buddhist temples in Japan, originally built for monks and pilgrims. Today, they offer unique stays for visitors seeking a cultural and spiritual experience. Guests can participate in temple activities such as zazen (seated meditation), morning prayers, and shojin ryori (traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine).
 

Notable Temple Stay Destinations:

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• Mount Koya (Koyasan), Wakayama – A sacred site with many historic temples offering immersive Zen experiences.

• Eiko-in Temple, Koyasan – A comfortable and intimate temple stay in Koyasan, offering Shingon Buddhist rituals, traditional shojin ryori, and a serene environment amidst towering cedars. Eiko-in combines luxury with a deeply spiritual experience, making it an ideal choice for affluent foreign travelers.
   

• Eiheiji Temple, Fukui – A renowned Soto Zen monastery where visitors can engage in rigorous Zen practices in a tranquil forested setting.
   

• Shikoku Pilgrimage (四国遍路) – Lodgings along the famous 88-temple pilgrimage route:

  • Zentsuji Temple, Kagawa – Located in Kagawa, Zentsuji is the birthplace of Kōbō Daishi and offers a meaningful shukubo experience, providing both spiritual reflection and a connection to the Shingon Buddhist heritage.

  • Yakuoin Temple, Tokushima – A well-maintained shukubo at Temple 23, offering a deeper cultural experience and known for its spiritual cleansing rituals.
     

Temple stays provide a rare opportunity to connect with Japan’s spiritual heritage in a peaceful and authentic environment, offering both spiritual reflection and cultural enrichment.